Using The GPS

Using the GPS
A guide to global positioning system receivers in Flight Simulator
What is GPS? CONTENTS
Back to What is GPS?

Navigation GPS, or global positioning system, is a network of satellites that What Can I Do with a GPS
transmit coded data that receivers on the ground can use to Receiver?
determine their position on earth. GPS receivers determine location
by comparing the angular relationships between the receiver and Basic Concepts
orbiting satellites. In this way, GPS is really quite similar to celestial The Buttons and Knobs
navigation, which early pilots used to determine their whereabouts.
Navigation Page Group
The difference is that a GPS receiver uses a computer to compute
position, while a pilot navigating with the stars had to operate a Waypoint Page Group
sextant and use complex tables. Nearest Page Group
The computer on board an aviation GPS receiver does much more Direct-To Navigation
than just tell a pilot where he is. It can also tell him where any other Active Flight Plan Page
point on the planet is, and how to get there. GPS receivers are
amazing pieces of technology, and are getting more sophisticated Procedures Page
every year. Learning how to use one is fun, and the payoff for a bit Frequently Asked
of study and practice is huge. Fly with a GPS receiver once, and it's Questions
hard to go back. Abbreviations and
Terminology
A GPS receiver with its many knobs and colorful display might look
intimidating, but there's nothing to be afraid of: It's just a computer
that provides you (or the autopilot) with information. And as with
most computers, you don't have to know how to do everything to RELATED LINKS
use it effectively. Learning how to use the GPS is a process:
Using an Autopilot
1. Read this article. Using Views and Windows
2. Experiment.
3. Repeat as necessary. Using the Keyboard
Using the Flight Planner
You'll be an expert in no time.
This article is based on the Garmin GPS 500 Pilot's Guide and Reference manual, published by
Garmin Corporation, and was adapted with permission for use with Flight Simulator.
What Can I Do with a GPS Receiver?
The GPS units in Flight Simulator can help you:
Determine where you are.

Determine where your destination is.
Determine how to get from your current location to your destination.
See a graphic depiction of the terrain.
Find information about airports, intersections, NDBs, and VORs.
Locate the nearest airport, intersection, NDB, VOR, or airspace.
Proceed direct to any airport, intersection, NDB, or VOR.
Follow a VFR or IFR flight plan.
Fly instrument procedures.
Be aware of the airspace boundaries in your vicinity.
Basic Concepts
Before diving into the details of operating the GPS in Flight Simulator, it's helpful to understand some
basic concepts. Take a few minutes to read this section, and you'll be better prepared for the details that
follow.
Two GPS Units, Same Functionality
Flight Simulator includes two GPS units, a "panel-mounted" version and a "portable" version. Both Flight
Simulator GPS units have nearly the same functionality, modeled after the real-world Garmin GPS 500
receiver, although the portable version looks like a Garmin GPSMAP 295. The two units have buttons in
different places, but they do the same things.
Using the GPSMAP 295

The GPS 500 has a large knob and a small knob. The GPSMAP 295 has a rocker switch that
performs the same functions as the knobs on the GPS 500. Whenever the procedures in this
document mention a knob on the GPS 500, use the rocker switch if you're flying with the GPSMAP
295.
GPS 500 small and large knob GPSMAP 295 rocker switch
When the instructions in this article say to turn the small knob on the GPS 500, click the left or
right side of the rocker switch on the GPSMAP 295. To turn the large knob, click the top or bottom
of the rocker switch. Whereas the GPS 500 has a CRSR button integrated into the small knob, the
GPSMAP 295 has a separate CRSR button.
Garmin GPS 500 in Flight Simulator

Garmin GPSMAP 295 in Flight Simulator
Flight Simulator aircraft equipped with panel-mounted Garmin GPS 500 GPS receivers
Airbus A321
Boeing 737–800
Boeing 747–400
Beechcraft Baron 58
Beechcraft King Air 350
Bombardier Canadair Challenger (CRJ700)
Bombardier Learjet 45
Cessna Skyhawk SP Model 172
Maule M7 260C
Mooney M20M "Bravo"
Flight Simulator aircraft equipped with portable Garmin GPSMAP 295 GPS receivers
AirCreation 582SL Buggy Ultralight

Bell 206B JetRanger III
de Havilland DHC2 Beaver
DG 808S Competition Sailplane
Douglas DC–3
Extra 300S
Grumman G21A Goose
Piper J–3C–65 Cub
Robinson R22 Beta II
Displaying the GPS Receiver
Flight Simulator displays the GPS units in pop-up windows on top of the main instrument panel. You can
access them using either the mouse or the keyboard, and you can move, resize, and undock them just
like any other Flight Simulator window. To learn more about windows, see Using Views and Windows.
To display the GPS while flying any aircraft
Click the GPS icon

-or-
Press SHIFT+3
-or-
On the Views menu, point to Instrument
Panel, and select GPS.
Moving the GPS

You can move the GPS anywhere on screen. Just click and drag.
Using the Mouse
To manipulate the knobs and buttons on the GPS units, use your mouse just like you'd use your hand in
a real cockpit.
Rollover Descriptions
You can discover each button or knob's name by moving the pointer over it; a description will appear.
Buttons
Press buttons to activate them. When the instructions say to press a button, move the pointer over the
button and click it.
Knobs
The GPS 500 includes two adjustment knobs: an inner small knob and an outer large knob. When the
instructions say to turn a knob, move the mouse over the arrows on the knob. A hand with either a -
(minus sign) or a + (plus sign) will appear.
When the hand with the - appears, click to turn the knob to the left.
When the hand with the + appears, click to turn the knob to the right.
You can also use the mouse wheel to turn the knobs. Move the cursor over the knob until the cursor
changes to a hand, and then roll the mouse wheel to change the control.
Using the Keyboard
If you prefer, you can use the keyboard to control the knobs and buttons on the GPS units. There are no
keyboard shortcuts assigned by default, but you can map them yourself. To learn more, see Using the
Keyboard.
About Page Groups and Pages
The information that appears on the GPS screen is presented on pages, and you can only view one page
at a time. Some pages are organized into groups of related pages, called page groups. Think of page
groups as chapters in a book, and pages as the pages within each chapter.
There are three page groups in the Flight Simulator GPS units.
The Navigation page group includes:
Default NAV
Map
The Waypoint page group includes:
Airport Location
Airport Runway
Airport Frequency
Airport Approach
Intersection
NDBs
VOR
The Nearest page group includes:

Nearest Airport
Nearest Intersection
Nearest NDB
Nearest VOR
Nearest Airspace
There are also two stand-alone pages:
Active Flight Plan

Procedures
All of the page groups and pages are explained in detail in the sections below, in the order they appear
above.
Navigating Between Page Groups and Pages
On the GPS 500, navigate between the various page groups using the large knob and/or the appropriate
buttons. Navigate between pages within a group using the small knob.
Remember: On the GPSMAP 295, use the rocker switch instead of the knobs
When the instructions in this article say to "turn" the small knob on the GPS 500, click on the left
or right rocker switch buttons on the GPSNAP 295. To "turn" the large knob, click on the top or
bottom rocker switch buttons.
To access the different page groups
Rotate the large knob to switch between the

Navigation, Waypoint, and Nearest page
groups.
-or-
Press the NRST button to jump directly to the
Nearest page group.
To return to the page you were looking at
before you pressed the button, press the button
again.
You can jump directly to the stand-alone pages using their respective buttons.
To access the stand-alone pages
1. Press the FPL button (or the ROUTE button on

the GPSMAP 295) to jump directly to the Active
Flight Plan page.
2. Press the PROC button to jump directly to the
Procedures page.
To return to the page you were looking at
before you pressed the button, press the button
again.
The bottom right corner of this

GPS screen indicates that the
GPS is displaying the first of the
two pages in the NAV page
group.
The bottom right corner of the screen indicates which page group is currently being displayed (for
example, NAV, WPT, or NRST), the number of screens available within that group (indicated by
rectangular page icons) and the placement of the current screen within that group (indicated by the
highlighted icon). To select a different page within the group, rotate the small knob.
The pages within a page group are persistent. That is, if you switch to a different page group, and then
return to the group you were using, the GPS will display the page that you were last looking at within
that group.
Scrolling
Whenever the GPS displays a list of information that is too long for the display screen, a scroll bar will
appear along the right side of the display.
To scroll down to see the rest of a page
1. Press the CRSR button to activate the cursor.

2. Rotate the large knob to scroll through the list
(or press the top or bottom of the rocker switch
on the GPSMAP 295).
The Buttons and Knobs
Like any computer, the GPS units in Flight Simulator are equipped with both a display and an input
device. Use the GPS receiver's buttons and knobs—which take the place of a standard computer
keyboard—to switch among pages and page groups, and to access and enter information.
The GPS 500

The GPSMAP 295
Both the "panel-mounted" and "portable" GPS units in Flight Simulator offer nearly the same
functionality, as illustrated on the figures above.
1. The Range button (or the IN and OUT buttons on the GPSMAP 295) allows you to select the
desired map scale. Use the up arrow side of the button to zoom out to a larger area, or the down
arrow side to zoom in to a smaller area.
2. The Direct-to button provides access to the direct-to function, which allows you to enter a
destination waypoint and establishes a direct course to the selected destination.
3. The Menu button is used to activate a specific leg in an active flight plan (not available on the
GPSMAP 295).
4. The Clear button (or the QUIT button on the GPSMAP 295) is used to erase information or
cancel an entry. Press and hold this button to immediately display the Default NAV (navigation)
page, regardless of which page is currently displayed.
Lost Among the Pages?
Press and hold the CLR button (or the QUIT button on the GPSMAP 295) to immediately display
the Default NAV page, regardless of which page is currently displayed.
5. The Enter button is used to approve an operation or to complete data entry.

6. The large knob (top and bottom of the rocker switch on the GPSMAP 295) is used to select
between the various page groups: NAV, WPT, FPL, or NRST. With the on-screen cursor
enabled, the large knob allows you to move the cursor about the page.
7. The small knob (left and right of the rocker switch on the GPSMAP 295) is used to select
between the various pages within one of the groups listed above.
8. The cursor button displays the on-screen cursor. The cursor allows you to enter data and/or
make a selection from a list of options.
9. The Nearest button displays the Nearest Airports page. Rotating the small right knob steps
through the other NRST pages.
10. The OBS (Omnibearing Selector) button (not available on the GPSMAP 295) is used to select
manual or automatic sequencing of waypoints. Pressing this button selects OBS mode, which will
retain the current "active-to" waypoint as your navigation reference even after passing the
waypoint (that is, it prevents sequencing to the next waypoint). Pressing the OBS button again
will return to normal operation, with automatic sequencing of waypoints.
11. The Message button (not available on the GPSMAP 295) is used to view Airspace Alerts.
12. The Flight Plan button (ROUTE button on the GPSMAP 295) allows you to see and follow a flight
plan you've created using the Flight Planner, and to access instrument approaches.
13. The Terrain button allows you to add a graphical depiction of the terrain to the Default NAV
page and to the Map page.
14. The Procedures button allows you to add instrument approaches to your flight plan. When using
a flight plan, available procedures for your arrival airport are offered automatically. Otherwise,
you may select the desired airport, then the desired procedure.
The Nav/GPS Switch
Flight Simulator aircraft featuring the GPS 500 (as well as the Bell 206B JetRanger III and the Extra
300S) have a Nav/GPS switch on the instrument panel:
When the switch is in the Nav position, the aircraft's VOR 1 indicator (or HSI) and autopilot/flight
director use data from the Nav 1 radio.
When the switch is in the GPS position, the aircraft's VOR 1 indicator (or HSI) and autopilot/flight
director use data from the GPS receiver.
Note: To couple the GPS to the Nav 1 receiver (or HSI) and/or to the autopilot/flight director in
order to follow the course in the GPS, set the Nav/GPS switch to GPS. Note that the GPS only
provides lateral guidance to the Nav 1 indicator (or HSI) and the autopilot/flight director. You
cannot fly an ILS or land automatically using the GPS as the sole source of navigational data.
Navigation Page Group
The Navigation (NAV) page group includes two pages: the Default NAV page and the MAP page. While
viewing any NAV page, rotate the small knob to select the other NAV page.
To select a NAV page
1. Press and hold the CLR button (QUIT button

on the GPSMAP 295).
-or-
Rotate the large knob all the way to the left to
select the NAV page group. NAV will appear in
the lower right corner of the screen.
2. Rotate the small knob to select the desired
NAV page.
Default NAV Page
You can quickly select the first NAV page, the Default NAV page, from any page by pressing and
holding the CLR button.
The default NAV page
The Default NAV page provides a look-ahead map display indicating your current position. Additionally:
The top of the page displays ground track (TRK), the direction of your current flight path over
the ground (not your heading).
The bottom of the page displays your ground speed (GS). This will differ from your indicated
airspeed if there is wind.
Note: If you do not select a flight plan or direct-to waypoint, the GPS will only display speed and
track data. All other data types will appear blank until you select a destination.
If you have an active flight plan or direct-to waypoint:
The top of the page displays desired track (DTK), ground track (TRK), and distance to
destination waypoint (DIS).
The bottom of the page indicates ground speed (GS), active to/from waypoints (or just active to,
for a direct-to destination), and estimated time en route (ETE).
A graphic course deviation indicator (CDI) also appears at the bottom of the page. Unlike the
angular limits used on a mechanical CDI coupled to a VOR or ILS receiver, full scale limits for this
CDI are defined by a GPS-derived distance (0.3, 1.0, or 5.0 nautical miles). By default, the CDI
scale will automatically adjust to the desired limits based upon the current phase of flight: en
route, terminal area, or approach.
The graphic CDI shows your position at the center of the indicator, relative to the desired course
(the moving course-deviation needle). As with a traditional mechanical CDI, simply steer toward
the needle when you're off course. The TO/FROM arrow in the center of the scale indicates
whether you are heading to the waypoint (an up arrow) or if you have passed the waypoint (a
down arrow).
Along the left side of the page are additional data fields that display the next waypoint (WPT),
the bearing to the next waypoint (BRG), the course to steer (CTS), the estimated time of arrival
at the destination waypoint (ETA), the vertical speed required (VSR) to reach the altitude of the
next waypoint or the destination runway, the track angle error (TKE), and the crosstrack error
(XTK).
Note: A GPS receiver cannot determine an aircraft's heading, only its track across the ground.
Never assume that the TRK (track) on the GPS display is the same as your heading. If there's a
crosswind, it won't be.
Default NAV Page Glossary
BRG (bearing): The compass direction from your current position to a destination
waypoint.
CTS (course to steer): The recommended direction to steer in order to reduce course
error or stay on course. Provides the most efficient heading to get back to the desired
course and proceed along your flight plan.
CUM (cumulative distance): The total of all legs in a flight plan.
DIS (distance): The great circle distance from your current position to a destination
waypoint.
DTK (desired track): The desired course between the active from and to waypoints.
ETA (estimate time of arrival): The estimated time at which you will reach your
destination waypoint, based upon current speed and track.
ETE (estimated time en route): The time it will take to reach the destination waypoint
from your current position, based upon current ground speed.
GS (ground speed): The velocity you are traveling, relative to a ground position.
HDG (heading): The direction your aircraft is pointed, based on indications from a
magnetic compass or a properly set directional gyro.
TKE (track angle error): The angle difference between the desired track and your
current track. To reduce the track angle error to zero: if the displayed TKE is a negative
number, turn left; if a postive number, turn right.
TRK (track): The direction of movement relative to a ground position. Also referred to as
"ground track."
VSR (vertical speed required): The vertical speed necessary to descend/climb from
current position and altitude to reach the altitude of the next waypoint or the destination
runway, based upon your current ground speed.
XTK (crosstrack error): The distance you are off a desired course in either direction,
left or right.
Terrain
You can add terrain to the map display to more easily visualize your position relative to the surrounding
terrain.
To add a graphical depiction of the terrain to the

Default NAV page
Press the TERR button. Press the TERR button

again to remove the terrain.
Declutter
You can quickly remove items from the map, to make it easier to see only what you need.
To declutter the map display
Press the CLR button (or the QUIT button on

the GPSMAP 295) repeatedly to select the
desired amount of map detail: all details; no
Class B or C airspace; no navaids; no airports.
Waypoints in an active flight plan are always
shown. Depending on the amount of detail
removed, -1, -2, or -3 will display next to the
Zoom number on the left side of the screen.
Changing the Scale
The scale of the look-ahead map display appears on the left side, using one of 20 scale settings, ranging
from 500 feet to 500 nautical miles (nm). Use the RNG button (or the IN and OUT buttons on the
GPSMAP 295) to select the desired scale.
To adjust the map scale
Press the up arrow on the RNG button (OUT

button on the GPSMAP 295) to zoom out to a
larger area.
-or-
Press the down arrow on the RNG button (IN
button on the GPSMAP 295) to zoom in to a
smaller area.
Symbols
The GPS receiver uses the following symbols directly above the graphic CDI on the Default NAV page
to depict the active leg of a flight plan or direct-to:
Direct-to a waypoint
Course to a waypoint, or desired course between two waypoints
Vectors to final
Right procedure turn
Left procedure turn
DME arc to the left
DME arc to the right
Left-hand holding pattern
Right-hand holding pattern
Note: The GPS receiver always navigates TO a waypoint unless you set the OBS switch (on the
GPS 500) to prevent automatic waypoint sequencing, or you have passed the last waypoint in your
flight plan.
The active leg of your flight plan (or the direct-to destination when using the Direct-to button) appears
directly above the CDI. The display will automatically sequence to the next leg of your flight plan as you
reach each interim waypoint. If you haven't selected a flight plan or direct-to destination, this line will
remain blank.
The GPS display uses different symbols to distinguish between waypoint types, and also displays the
identifiers for on-screen waypoints. Special-use and controlled airspace boundaries appear on the map,
showing the individual sectors in the case of Class B or Class C airspace.
The GPS units in Flight Simulator use the following symbols to depict the various airports and navigation
aids on both the Default NAV page and the Map page:
Airport with hard-surface runway(s) (runways shown when zoomed in)
Airport with soft-surface runway(s) only (runways shown when zoomed in)
Airport with fuel
Seaplane base
Intersection
VOR
VOR/DME
NDB
Localizer
Map Page
The second NAV page, the Map page, displays your current position (an airplane symbol in the center
of the screen), along with nearby airports, navigation aids, airspace boundaries, lakes, and coastlines.
Whereas the Default NAV page is oriented with the current GPS track up, the Map page is oriented
with north up.
The Map offers 20 scale settings, ranging from 500 feet to 500 nm. The GPS receiver indicates the scale
on the left side of the map display; this represents the top-to-bottom distance covered by the map
display.
To adjust the map scale
Press the up arrow on the RNG button (the

OUT button on the GPSMAP 295) to zoom out
to a larger area.
-or-
Press the down arrow on the RNG button (the
IN button on the GPSMAP 295) to zoom in to a
smaller area.
You can add terrain to the map display to more easy visualize your position relative to the surrounding
terrain.
To add a graphical depiction of the terrain to the

Map page
Press the TERR button. Press the TERR button

again to remove the terrain.
You can also quickly remove items from the map, to make it easier to see only what you need.
To declutter the map display
Press the CLR button (the QUIT button on the

GPSMAP 295) repeatedly to select the desired
amount of map detail: all details; no Class B or
C airspace; no navaids; no airports. Waypoints
in an active flight plan are always shown.
Remember that pressing and holding the button
will return you to the Default NAV page.
Along the left side of the page, the GPS unit displays the same data fields as on the Default NAV page.
(See the Default NAV Page section for more details.)
Waypoint Page Group
The Waypoint (WPT) page group provides information for the thousands of airports, VORs, NDBs,
intersections, runways, frequencies, and procedures stored in the Flight Simulator navigation database.
To select a WPT page
1. From any page, press and hold the CLR button

(the QUIT button on the GPSMAP 295) to
select the Default NAV page.
2. Rotate the large knob to select the WPT page
group.
WPT will appear in the lower right corner of the
screen.
WPT page.
The WPT page group includes seven pages. While viewing any WPT page, rotate the small knob to
select a different WPT page. The first four pages provide detailed information for the selected airport:
location, runways, frequencies, and approaches. The last three pages provide information for
intersections, NDBs, and VORs.
Note: To view a different WPT page, the on-screen cursor must not be visible. Press the CRSR
button to remove the cursor, if necessary. Rotate the small knob to select the desired WPT page.
After you select a WPT page, you can view information for a waypoint by entering the identifier (or
name) of the desired waypoint.
To enter a waypoint identifier
1. Select the desired WPT page and press the

CRSR button to activate the cursor.
2. Rotate the small knob to select the first
character of the waypoint's identifier.
3. Rotate the large knob to select the next
character field.
character.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the identifier is
selected, then press the ENT button.
6. To remove the flashing cursor, press the CRSR
button.
Note: Instead of steps 3, 4, and 5 above, you
can type the identifier on your keyboard.
Duplicate Waypoints
As you enter an identifier, the GPS receiver will scroll through the database, displaying those waypoints
matching the characters you have entered to that point. If duplicate entries exist for an entered
identifier, a duplicate waypoint page will appear once you select the identifier by pressing the ENT
button. All waypoints with the same identifier are listed, along with their country codes. Use the large
knob to scroll through the list.
The Duplicate Waypoints page
To select a waypoint identifier from a list of

duplicates
1. Select the desired airport or navigation aid

identifier.
A Duplicate Waypoints window will appear.
2. Rotate the large knob to select the desired
waypoint and press the ENT button.
button.
Airport Location Page
The Airport Location page displays the latitude, longitude, and elevation of the selected airport. The
Airport Location page also displays facility name and location, as well as fuel availability, and the best
available instrument approach. The GPS display uses the following descriptions and abbreviations:
Type: Usage type (public, military, or private)

Position: Latitude/Longitude
Elevation: In feet
Fuel: Fuel available (AvGas and/or jet)
Approach: Best available approach: ILS, MLS, LOC, LDA, SDF, GPS, VOR, RNAV (RNV),
LORAN (LOR), NDB, or TACAN (TCN)
The Airport Location page
Finding the Desired Airport
The Flight Simulator GPS receivers use ICAO identifiers for all airports. All United States airport
identifiers that contain only letters (except Alaska and Hawaii) use the prefix "K". For example, Los
Angeles International is KLAX under the ICAO standard. Other airports that contain numbers in the
identifier, such as Otten Memorial (3VS), do not require the "K" prefix. Alaska, Hawaii and many
countries use two letter prefixes; different countries use different prefixes.
If you encounter difficulty when selecting an airport, try retrieving the desired airport using the facility
name. (This only works on the Airport Location page; it will not work when searching for NDBs or VORs.)
Airport Runway Page
The Airport Runway page displays runway designations, length, and surface type for the selected
airport. The GPS unit also displays a map image of the runway layout and surrounding area on the
Airport Runway page. The map image scale appears in the lower left corner and is adjustable using the
RNG button. For airports with multiple runways, information for each runway is available.
The Airport Runway page showing a list of available runways
To display information for each additional

runway

2. Rotate the large knob to place the cursor on
the Runway field.
3. Rotate the small knob to display a window
listing all runways for the selected airport.
4. Continue rotating the small knob to select the
desired runway.
5. Press the ENT button to display information for
the selected runway on the Airport Runway
page.
button.
To adjust the scale of the airport map image
1. Press the down-arrow side of the RNG button

(or the IN button on the GPSMAP 295) to
display a smaller map area.
2. Press the up-arrow side of the RNG button (or
the OUT button on the GPSMAP 295) to display
a larger map area.
The Airport Runway page notes the following runway surface types: concrete, asphalt, grass, turf, dirt,
coral, gravel, oil, steel, bituminous, brick, macadam, planks, sand, shale, tarmac, snow, ice, and water.
Airport Frequency Page
The Airport Frequency page displays radio frequencies and frequency types for the selected airport. If
the selected airport has a localizer-based approach, the page also lists the localizer frequency. The
Airport Frequency page may be used for reference to tune external COM or VOR/ILS frequencies.
The Airport Frequency page
To view a desired frequency

2. Rotate the large knob to scroll through the list,
placing the cursor on the desired frequency.
If there are more frequencies in the list than
the GPS unit can display on the screen, a scroll
bar along the right-hand side of the screen will
indicate where you are within the list.
3. Manually enter the selected frequency in the
external COM transceiver or VOR/ILS receiver.
button.
Some listed frequencies may include designations for TX (transmit only) or RX (receive only).
Tip: Instead of manually entering a desired frequency from the Airport Frequency page into the
Comm 1 or Nav 1 radio, you can simply highlight the facility name (for example, "Tower") and
then press the ENT button. The GPS receiver will automatically enter the frequency into the
standby side of the Comm 1 radio.
The GPS display uses the following terminology on the Airport Frequency page:
Communication frequencies:
Approach
ATIS, ASOS, AWOS
Unicom
Multicom
Clearance
Ground
Tower
Departure
FSS
Navigation frequencies:
ILS
LOC
Airport Approach Page
The Airport Approach page shows the available approach procedures for the selected airport. Where
multiple initial approach fixes (IAFs) and feeder routes are available, the GPS may also display that
information. A map image provides a layout diagram for each approach and transition.
The Airport Approach page, showing a list of available approaches
To scroll through the available approaches and

transitions

2. Rotate the large knob to place the cursor on
the APPROACH field.
3. Rotate the small knob to display a window of
available approaches for the selected airport.
desired approach.
5. Press the ENT button. The cursor will move to
the transitions (TRANS) field.
6. Rotate the small knob to display a window of
available transitions.
desired transition
-or-
Select VECTORS for guidance only along the
final course segment of the approach.
8. Press the ENT button.
button.
Note: Not all approaches in the Flight Simulator database are approved for GPS use. As you select
an approach, a GPS designation to the right of the procedure name indicates the procedure can be
flown using the GPS receiver. Some procedures will not have this designation, meaning the GPS
receiver may be used for supplemental navigation guidance only. ILS approaches, for example,
must be flown by tuning the external VOR/ILS receiver to the proper frequency and following the
external CDI (or HSI) for guidance.
Intersection Page
The Intersection page displays the latitude, longitude, and region code for the selected intersection.
The Intersection page also displays the identifier, radial, and distance from the nearest VOR or
VOR/DME. The following descriptions and abbreviations are used:
Position: Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or degrees/minutes/seconds)

RAD: Radial from nearest VOR, in degrees magnetic
DIS: Distance from nearest VOR, in nautical miles
The Airport Intersection page
Note: The VOR displayed on the Intersection page is the nearest VOR, not necessarily the VOR
used to define the intersection.
Intersections may only be selected by identifier.
NDB Page
The NDB page displays the facility name, city, region/country, latitude, and longitude for the selected
NDB. The NDB page also displays the frequency. The GPS uses the following descriptions and
abbreviations:
Symbol: (NDB)
Position: Latitude and longitude
FREQ: Frequency, in kilohertz (kHz)
NDBs may only be selected by identifier.
The NDB page
Note: Instead of manually entering a desired frequency from the NDB page into the ADF radio,
you can simply highlight the frequency and then press the ENT button. The GPS will automatically
enter the frequency into the ADF radio.
VOR Page
The VOR page displays the facility name, city, region code, magnetic variation, latitude, and longitude
for the selected VOR. The VOR page also displays the frequency. The GPS uses the following descriptions
and abbreviations:
Symbol: (VOR) or (VOR DME)

VAR: Magnetic variation, in degrees
Position: Latitude and longitude
FREQ: Frequency, in megahertz (MHz)
VORs may only be selected by identifier.
The VOR page
Note: Instead of manually entering a desired frequency from the VOR page into the Nav 1 radio,
you can simply highlight the frequency and then press the ENT button. The GPS will automatically
enter the frequency into the standby side of the Nav 1 radio.
Nearest Page Group
The Nearest page group (NRST) provides detailed information for the nine nearest airports, VORs,
NDBs, and intersections within 200 nm of your current position.
To select a NRST page
1. From any page, press the NRST button to

select the Nearest Airport page.
-or-
Rotate the large knob all the way to the right
to select the NRST page group.
NRST will appear in the lower right corner of
the screen.
NRST page.
The GPS cannot display all nine of the nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, or intersections on the
corresponding NRST page at once. The Nearest Airport page displays detailed information for the five
nearest airports, with a scroll bar along the right hand side of the page indicating which part of the list is
currently displayed. The NRST pages for VORs, NDBs, intersections, and user waypoints will display nine
waypoints at a time. Use the flashing cursor and large knob to scroll and view the rest of the waypoints
or airspaces in the list.
To scroll through the list of nearest airports,

VORs, NDBs, or intersections
1. Select the desired NRST page, using the steps

outlined above.
3. Rotate the large knob to scroll through the list.
The scroll bar along the right-hand side of the
page will indicate which part of the list is
currently being displayed.
4. Press the CRSR button to remove the flashing
cursor.
Navigating to a Nearby Waypoint
The NRST pages can be used in conjunction with the direct-to function to quickly set a course to a
nearby facility. This feature can be a real time saver compared to retrieving information from the
database using the WPT pages. More importantly, it instantly provides navigation to the nearest airport
in case of an in-flight emergency.
To select a nearby airport, VOR, NDB,

intersection or user waypoint as a direct-to
destination
1. Use the flashing cursor to scroll through a

NRST page list and highlight the desired
nearest waypoint, as explained above.
2. Press the Direct-to button to display the
Select Direct-to Waypoint page.
3. Press the ENT button to accept the selected
waypoint's identifier and press the ENT button
a second time (with Activate? highlighted) to
begin navigating to the selected waypoint.
Nearest Airport Page
The Nearest Airport page displays the identifier, symbol, and bearing of the nine nearest airports
(within 200 nm of your current position), as well as the distance to each airport. For each airport listed,
the Nearest Airport page also indicates the bearing to the airport, the distance, the best available
approach, the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), and the length of the longest runway.
The Nearest Airport page
You can also use the Nearest Airport page to quickly find the communication frequencies at a nearby
airport for manually tuning the external COM transceiver.
Additional communication frequencies, runway information, and other details are available from the
Nearest Airport page by highlighting the identifier of the desired airport and pressing the ENT button.
To view additional information for a nearby

airport
1. Select the Nearest Airport page.

highlighting the identifier of the desired airport.
4. Press the ENT button to display the Airport
Location page for the selected airport.
5. To view additional WPT pages for the selected
airport (including the Airport Runway and
Airport Frequency pages) press the CRSR
button to remove the flashing cursor.
6. Rotate the small knob to display the additional
WPT pages.
7. When finished, press the CRSR button to return
the flashing cursor to the screen.
8. To return to the Nearest Airport page, press
the NRST button.
Nearest Intersection Page

The Nearest Intersection page displays the identifier, symbol, and bearing of the nine nearest
intersections (within 200 nm of your current position), as well as the distance to each intersection.
The Nearest Intersection page
To view additional information for a nearby

intersection
1. Select the Nearest Intersection page.

highlighting the identifier of the desired
intersection.
4. Press the ENT button to display the intersection
page for the selected intersection.
5. To return to the Nearest Intersection page,
press the NRST button.
Nearest NDB Page
The Nearest NDB page displays the identifier, symbol, and frequency of the nine nearest NDBs (within
200 nm of your current position), as well as the bearing and distance to each NDB.
The Nearest NDB page
To view additional information for a nearby NDB
1. Select the Nearest NDB page.

highlighting the identifier of the desired NDB.
page for the selected NDB.
5. To return to the Nearest NDB page, press the
NRST button.
Nearest VOR Page
The Nearest VOR page displays the identifier and symbol of the nine nearest VORs (within 200 nm of
your current position), as well as the bearing and distance to each VOR. For each VOR listed, the
Nearest VOR page also indicates the frequency of the nearby VOR for reference in tuning a VOR
receiver.
The Nearest VOR page
To view additional information for a nearby VOR
1. Select the Nearest VOR page.

highlighting the identifier of the desired VOR.
page for the selected VOR.
5. To return to the Nearest VOR page, press the
NRST button.
Nearest Airspace Page
The last page in the NRST group, the Nearest Airspace page, will alert you to as many as nine
controlled or special-use airspaces near or in your flight path. Alerts are provided according to the
following conditions:
If your projected course will take you inside a controlled or special-use airspace within the next
ten minutes, the Airspace ahead—less than 10 minutes alert will appear. The Nearest
Airspace page will show the airspace as Ahead.
If you are within two nautical miles of a controlled or special-use airspace and your current
course will take you inside that airspace, the message Airspace near and ahead will appear.
The Nearest Airspace page will show the airspace as Ahead < 2nm.
If you are within two nautical miles of a controlled or special-use airspace and your current
course will not take you inside, the message Near airspace less than 2nm will appear. The
Nearest Airspace page will show Within 2nm of airspace.
If you have entered a controlled or special-use airspace, the message Inside Airspace will
appear. The Nearest Airspace page will show Inside of airspace.
The Nearest Airspace page
Note that the airspace alerts are based on three-dimensional data (latitude, longitude, and altitude) to
avoid nuisance alerts. The alert boundaries for controlled airspace are also divided into sectors to
provide complete information on any nearby airspace. Once one of the described conditions exists, the
message annunciator above the MSG button will flash, alerting you of an airspace message. An altitude
buffer of 200 feet is included to provide an extra margin of safety above and below the published limits.
To view an airspace alert message (GPS 500

only)
1. When the message annunciator (MSG) above

the MSG button flashes, press the MSG button.
2. The message will display.
3. Press the MSG button again to dismiss the
message.
Once you have been provided an airspace alert message, detailed information concerning the specific
airspace can be viewed on the Nearest Airspace page. The Nearest Airspace page displays the
airspace name, status (Ahead, Ahead < 2nm, etc. as described on the previous page), and an
estimated time to entry (if applicable).
If you're distracted by near-constant flashing of the message annunciator when flying in an area with
lots of controlled airspace, it's easy to temporarily disable the airspace alert messages.
To disable airspace alert messages (GPS 500

only)
1. Press and hold the MSG button for two

seconds.
2. "OFF" will display in the message annunciator
space above the MSG button.
3. Press the MSG button again to re-enable
airspace alert messages.
Direct-To Navigation
The GPS's direct-to function provides a quick method of setting a course to a destination waypoint. Once
a direct-to is activated, the GPS will establish a point-to-point (great circle) course line from your
current position to the selected direct-to destination. Navigation data on the various NAV pages will
provide steering guidance until the direct-to is replaced by a new destination.
The Select Direct-to Waypoint page
To select a direct-to destination
1. Press the Direct-to button.

The Select Direct-to Waypoint page will
appear, with the waypoint identifier field
highlighted.
2. Use the small and large knobs to enter the
identifier of the desired destination waypoint.
(The large knob moves the cursor; the small
knob dials letters and numbers.)
3. Press the ENT button once to confirm the
selected waypoint, and again to activate the
direct-to function.
Note: After you've turned the small knob to
highlight the first letter, you can type the
identifier on your keyboard.
If you're navigating to a waypoint using direct-to and get off course, the direct-to function may also be
used to re-center the CDI needle and proceed to the same waypoint.
To recenter the CDI needle to the same

destination waypoint
Press the Direct-to button, followed by the

ENT button twice.
Note: If you're navigating an approach with the missed approach point (MAP) as the current
destination, recentering the CDI needle with the Direct-to button will cancel the approach.
Selecting a Destination by Facility Name
In addition to selecting a destination by identifier, the Select Direct-to Waypoint page also allows you to
select airports, VORs, and NDBs by facility name. If the database includes duplicate entries for the
facility name or city you enter, you can view additional entries by continuing to rotate the small right
knob during the selection process.
Selecting a destination by facility name
To select a direct-to destination by facility name

highlighted.
2. Rotate the large knob to highlight the facility
name (second line in the figure above) or the
city field (third line).
3. Use the small and large knobs to enter the
facility name of the desired destination
waypoint.
As you spell the facility name, the GPS will
select the first entry in the database based
upon the characters you have entered up to
that point.
4. Continue rotating the small right knob to scroll
through any additional database listings for the
selected facility name or city. You can also scroll
backwards with the small right knob if you
scroll past the desired waypoint.
direct-to function.
Note: After you've turned the small knob to
highlight the first letter, you can type the facility
name on your keyboard.
Selecting a Destination from the Active Flight Plan
If you're navigating an active flight plan, you can select any waypoint contained in the flight plan as a
direct-to destination from the Select Direct-to Waypoint page. (See Active Flight Plan Page below for
more information on flight plans.)
Selecting a destination from the active flight plan

To select a direct-to destination from the active
flight plan

highlighted.
2. Rotate the large knob to highlight the flight
plan (FPL) field.
showing all waypoints in the active flight plan.
4. Continue rotating the small knob to scroll
through the list and highlight the desired
waypoint.
direct-to function.
Selecting the Nearest Airport as a Direct-to Destination
The Select Direct-to Waypoint page always displays the nearest airports (to your current position) on
the NRST field. Navigating directly to a nearby airport is always just a few simple steps away.
Selecting a destination from the active flight plan
To select a nearby airport as a direct-to

destination

The Select direct-to waypoint page will
highlighted.
2. Rotate the large knob to highlight the nearest
airport (NRST) field.
showing as many as nine nearby airports.
4. Continue rotating the small knob to scroll
through the list and highlight the desired
airport.
direct-to function.
Direct-To Shortcuts
Shortcuts are available when using the Direct-to button, allowing you to bypass the use of the small
and large knobs to enter the destination waypoint's identifier. You can perform a direct-to from any
page displaying a single waypoint identifier (such as the WPT pages for airports and navigation aids) by
simply pressing the Direct-to button and then the ENT button twice. For pages that display a list of
waypoints (e.g., the Nearest Airport page), you must highlight the desired waypoint with the cursor
before pressing the Direct-to button.
To select an on-screen waypoint as a direct-to

destination
If a single airport, navigation aid, or user

waypoint is displayed:
2. Press the ENT button twice.
-or-
If a list of waypoints is displayed:

2. Rotate the large knob to highlight the desired
waypoint.
4. Press the ENT button twice.
Active Flight Plan Page
If you create a VFR or IFR flight plan using the Flight Planner, Flight Simulator will automatically load the
flight plan into the GPS and activate the plan for use in navigation. (For more information, see Using the
Flight Planner.)
The Active Flight Plan page provides information for the active flight plan (or direct-to).
To select the Active Flight Plan page
Press the FPL button.
Note: You cannot create flight plans in the Flight Simulator GPS. Instead, use the Flight Simulator
Flight Planner. The flight plan will automatically be loaded into the GPS and activated for use. You
can, however create a "direct-to" to a destination.
The Active Flight Plan page
With an activated direct-to or flight plan loaded, the Active Flight Plan page will show each waypoint
for the flight plan (or a single waypoint for a direct-to), along with the desired track (DTK), distance
(DIS) for each leg, and cumulative distance (CUM).
You can select any leg within the active flight plan as the active leg (the leg which will currently be used
for navigation guidance), using the MENU button.
To activate a specific leg of the active flight plan
From the Active Flight Plan page, press the

CRSR button to activate the cursor.
Rotate the large knob to highlight the desired
destination waypoint.
Press the MENU button, select the "Activate
Leg?" option, and press the ENT button. (GPS
500 only)
-or-
Press the Direct-to button twice. (GPS 500 and
GPS 295)
A confirmation window will appear.
With Activate? highlighted, press the ENT
button.
During instrument procedures, you can use this feature not only to activate a specific point-to-point leg,
but also to activate the procedure turn portion of an approach, follow a DME arc, or activate a holding
pattern.
You can review any approach on the Airport Approach page in the WPT page group. (For more
information, see the Waypoint Page Group section.)
Procedures Page
The Flight Simulator GPS units allow you to fly nonprecision approaches to airports with published
instrument approach procedures. Display the Procedures page by pressing the PROC button. The
Procedures page provides direct access to approaches based upon the active flight plan or direct-to
destination. In either case, the destination airport must have published procedures associated with it.
To select the Procedures page
Press the PROC button.
The Procedures page
To select an approach
1. Press the PROC button to display the

Procedures page.
2. Rotate the large knob to highlight Select
Approach? and press the ENT button.
A window will appear listing the available
procedures.
approach and press the ENT button.
A second window will appear listing the
available transitions.
transition waypoint and press the ENT button.
(The Approach Vectors option assumes you
will receive vectors to the final course segment
of the approach and will provide navigation
guidance relative to the final approach course.)
5. Rotate the large knob to highlight Load? or
Activate? and press the ENT button.
Load? will add the approach to the flight plan
without immediately using it for navigation
guidance. This allows you to continue
navigating the original flight plan, but keeps the
procedure available on the Active Flight Plan
page for quick activation when needed.
To activate a departure or arrival, follow the steps later

in this section.
Selecting an approach on the Procedures page
Note: Not all approaches in the database are approved for GPS use. As you select an approach, a
GPS designation to the right of the procedure name indicates the procedure can be flown using the
GPS receiver. Some procedures will not have this designation, meaning the GPS receiver may be
used for supplemental navigation guidance only. ILS approaches, for example, must be flown by
tuning the external VOR/ILS receiver to the proper frequency and using the external CDI (or HSI)
for guidance.
If you're flying a GPS approach, or a nonprecision approach approved for GPS, and you plan on
using the aircraft's VOR 1 indicator to fly the approach, make sure the Nav/GPS switch on the
aircraft instrument panel is set to GPS. If, however, you want to fly the approach using data from
the Nav 1 radio, and plan to use the GPS only for situational awareness, then make sure the
Nav/GPS switch is set to NAV.
Once you select an approach, you may activate it for navigation from the Procedures page. Activating
the approach overrides the en route portion of the active flight plan, proceeding directly to the approach
portion (for a full approach, directly to the initial approach fix). Activating the approach also initiates
automatic CDI scaling transition as the approach progresses.
Activating an approach on the Procedures page
To activate a previously loaded approach

Procedures page.
2. Rotate the large knob to highlight Activate
Approach?
Another Procedures page option allows you to activate the final course segment of the approach. This
option assumes you will receive vectors to the final approach fix (FAF) and guides you to intercept the
final course, before reaching the FAF.
To activate the previously loaded approach, with

vectors to final

Procedures page.
2. Rotate the large right knob to highlight
Activate Vectors-To-Final?
In many cases, it may be easiest to load the full approach while still some distance away, en route to
the destination airport. Later, if vectored to final, use the steps above to select Activate Vectors-To-
Final—which makes the inbound course to the FAF waypoint active. Otherwise, activate the full
approach using the Activate Approach? option.
Basic Approach Operations
The Flight Simulator GPS units provide nonprecision approach guidance. The GPS receiver can also be
used as a supplemental aid for precision approaches and nonprecision localizer-based approaches, but
external localizer and glide slope receivers must be used for primary approach course guidance.
Approaches designed specifically for GPS are often very simple and don't require overflying a VOR or
NDB. Currently, many nonprecision approaches have GPS overlays to let you fly an existing procedure
(VOR, VOR/DME, NDB, RNAV, and so forth.) more accurately using GPS.
Many overlay approaches are complex in comparison to GPS-only approaches. The GPS displays and
guides you through each leg of the approach—automatically sequencing through each of these legs,
including the missed approach procedure. Approaches may be flown "as published" with the full
transition—using any published feeder route or initial approach fix (IAF)—or may be flown with a
vectors-to-final transition.
To fly a typical approach using the GPS
1. Prior to departing, select the destination using

the Direct-to button
-or-
Create a flight plan using the Flight Planner.
2. While en route, ATC will inform you which
approach to expect.
(You can choose another if you'd like).
3. Press the PROC button and choose the Select
Approach? option.
4. Load the expected approach (often while en
route) in anticipation of its future use.
This places the approach in the active flight
plan, but retains course guidance in the en
route section until the approach is activated.
5. Activate the full approach or vectors-to-final
approach, as appropriate.
In some scenarios, you may find it more
convenient to immediately activate the
approach and skip the load process.
Points to Remember for All Approaches
1. The GPS is designed to complement your printed approach plates and vastly improve situational
awareness throughout the approach. However, you must always fly an approach as it appears on
the approach plate.
2. The active leg (or the portion of the approach currently in use) is depicted in magenta on the
Map page. As you fly the approach, the GPS will automatically sequence through each leg of the
approach.
3. The published missed-approach course is shown as a dotted white line extending beyond the
missed approach point (MAP). As you pass the MAP, the GPS will sequence to the first missed
approach waypoint. Land, or fly the published missed approach procedure.
Approaches with Procedure Turns

The GPS stores the procedure turn portion of an approach as one of the legs of the approach. For this
reason, the GPS requires no special operations from the pilot—other than flying the procedure turn itself
—beyond what is required for any other type of approach.
To fly the procedure turn
1. Within 30 nm of the destination airport, the

GPS will switch from en route mode to
terminal mode (as indicated in the lower left
corner of the screen), and the course deviation
indicator (CDI) scale will transition from a 5.0
to 1.0 nm full scale deflection.
2. Several miles prior to reaching the initial
approach fix (IAF), you may wish to review the
approach sequence.
Press the FPL button to display the
Active Flight Plan page.
Press the CRSR button and Rotate the
large knob to review each segment of
the approach.
When finished, press the FPL button
again to return to the previous page.
3. As you approach the IAF, dial the outbound
course into the aircraft's CDI (or HSI) using the
OBS knob and initiate a standard rate turn to
this course heading.
4. Fly the outbound course, keeping the CDI
needle centered.
5. After approximately 90 seconds, turn 45
degrees left or right (as indicated on chart or
GPS) to initiate the procedure turn.
The Flight Simulator GPS receivers will provide
course guidance relative to the outbound leg
from the FAF, and through the procedure turn
itself. (The GPS will display the procedure turn
on the Map page, and will indicate the
procedure turn as the active leg on the Default
NAV and Active Flight Plan pages.) The CDI
needle will start moving to the right.
6. After approximately one minute, make a 180-
degree right turn to intercept the inbound
course.
The GPS will sequence to the inbound leg to the
FAF, and the CDI needle will swing to the
opposite side to provide proper sensing along
the final course segment.
7. As the CDI needle starts to center, make a right
turn to the final approach course.
8. Within 10 nm of the airport, the GPS will switch
from terminal mode to approach mode.
CDI scaling will be tightened from 1.0 to 0.3
nautical mile, full scale deflection.
9. As you approach the FAF, make any course
adjustments necessary for the final course
segment (FAF to MAP).
10. As you cross the FAF, the destination sequences
to the MAP (for example, RW04, the runway
threshold).
11. With the needle centered, fly toward the MAP,
observing the altitude minimums indicated by
the approach plate.
12. As you pass the MAP, the GPS will sequence to
the first missed approach waypoint.
13. Land, or fly the published missed approach
procedure.
Missed Approaches
After you pass the MAP, you must execute a missed approach if the runway isn't in sight. As you pass
the MAP, the GPS will sequence to the first waypoint in the published missed approach, and then to each
missed approach waypoint in sequence, including taking you through the hold.
Flying a missed approach
To initiate and fly the missed approach procedure
1. Follow the missed approach procedures, as

published on your approach plate, for proper
climb and heading instructions.
The GPS will guide you through the published
procedure to the holding pattern, and will
provide course guidance through the holding
pattern, including a modified entry.
2. When leaving the holding pattern to refly the
approach (or another approach), press the
PROC button to Select Approach? or
Activate Approach? as previously described.
-or-
Use the Direct-to button to select another
destination.
Approaches with a Hold
If an approach begins with a holding pattern, the GPS can make simple work of it.
Flying an approach with a hold
To fly an approach with a hold

from en route mode to terminal mode, and
the CDI scale will transition from 5.0 to 1.0 nm,
full scale deflection.
2. The GPS will display the holding pattern on the
Map page, and indicate the holding pattern as
the active leg on the Default NAV and Active
Flight Plan pages.
3. The GPS will provide course guidance through
the holding pattern, including a modified entry.
Note: If you need to lose extra altitude or
speed by going around the holding pattern
again, press the OBS button to manually
suspend waypoint sequencing before crossing
the holding waypoint the second time. If you've
already passed this waypoint, reactivate the
holding pattern on the Active Flight Plan
page.
from terminal mode to approach mode. CDI
scaling will be tightened from 1.0 to 0.3
5. Make any course adjustments necessary for the
final course segment (FAF to MAP).
6. As you cross the FAF, the GPS will sequence the
destination to the MAP (for example, RW21,
the runway threshold). With the needle
centered, fly toward the MAP, observing the
altitude minimums dictated by the approach
plate.
procedure.
DME Arc Approaches
The GPS overlay for a DME arc approach uses additional Jeppesen-provided waypoints to define the arc.
These waypoints are indicated by a D as the first letter in the waypoint name, followed by three
numbers indicating the radial the waypoint lies on; the last letter indicates the radius of the arc.
When cleared for a DME arc approach, you may do either of the following to intercept the arc
Follow a specified radial inbound to intercept the IAF.

Follow ATC vectors which allow you to intercept the arc at any point along the arc.
Flying a DME Arc approach
To fly a DME arc approach
1. Within 30 nm of the destination, the GPS will

switch from en route mode to terminal mode
and the CDI scale will transition from 5.0 to 1.0
nm, full scale deflection.
2. If you haven't already activated the approach,
be sure to do so when cleared for the approach.
3. If you plan on using the aircraft's VOR 1
indicator to fly the approach, make sure the
Nav/GPS switch on the aircraft instrument
panel is set to GPS.
-or-
If you want to fly the approach using data from
the Nav 1 radio, and use the GPS just for
situational awareness, then make sure the
Nav/GPS switch is set to Nav.
4. Follow the arc, keeping the CDI needle
centered.
5. The next point in the approach is probably an
intermediate fix. When the fix becomes the
active waypoint, initiate a standard rate turn
toward it.
from terminal mode to approach mode.
CDI scaling will be tightened from 1.0 to 0.3
7. Turn to the final course segment (FAF to MAP)
heading.
to the MAP (for example, RW22, the runway
threshold). With the needle centered, fly toward
the MAP, observing the altitude minimums
dictated by the approach plate.
procedure.
Vectors-to-Final Approaches
If ATC tells you to "expect vectors" onto the final approach course, there are several ways to select
"vectors to final." The first two options below normally require the least effort.
Flying a Vectors-to-Final approach
To select vectors to final
When the approach is first selected, choose

VECTORS from the transitions (TRANS)
window.
-or-
1. Load a full approach, including the IAF from the

transitions window.
2. When cleared, press the PROC button and
select Activate Vectors-To-Final?
-or-
1. Load the full approach.

2. On the Active Flight Plan page, highlight the
desired leg of the approach, then press the
MENU button.
3. Press the ENT button to activate the leg.
The GPS has no way of knowing how ATC will vector you, just that you will intercept the final approach
course somewhere outside the FAF. Thus, with a vectors-to-final approach activated, the Map page will
display an extension of the final approach course in magenta (remember, magenta is used to depict the
active leg of the flight plan) and VTF will appear as part of the active leg on the Default NAV page (as
a reminder that the approach was activated with vectors to final). The CDI needle will remain off center
until you're established on the final approach course, and the GPS will sequence to the next leg (FAF to
MAP) as you cross the FAF.
Note that during the vectoring phase of a vectors-to-final approach, all of the information displayed in
the GPS data blocks (DTK, DIS, CTS, and so forth) references the FAF. The GPS doesn't know where
you will intercept the final approach course, just that you will eventually reach the FAF.
To fly a vectors-to-final approach

Vectors to Final Using an
1. Within 30 nm of the destination, the GPS will
switch from en route mode to terminal mode Autopilot
and the CDI scale will transition from 5.0 to 1.0
nm, full scale deflection. To fly a vectors-to-final approach
2. If you haven't already done so, activate the using an autopilot, be sure to use
approach (with vectors to final). Heading mode, not Nav mode.
This allows the GPS to guide you to the final ATC will vector you to the final
approach course. approach course and you can follow
3. ATC will give you multiple vectors. these vectors by moving the
4. ATC will instruct you to turn to intercept the heading bug. Once you intercept
final approach course. the final approach course, you can
As you converge with the final approach course switch to Nav or Approach mode
the CDI needle moves toward the center. as appropriate. Set the Nav/GPS
5. As the CDI needle centers, make any remaining switch to GPS to have the GPS
course corrections to establish yourself on the course displayed on the Nav 1
final approach course. indicator (or HSI). Set the switch to
6. Within 10 nm of the airport, the GPS will switch Nav to manually follow a VOR,
from terminal mode to approach mode. Localizer, or ILS course tuned on
CDI scaling will be tightened from 1.0 to 0.3 the Nav 1 radio.
to the MAP (for example, RW22). With the
needle centered, fly toward the MAP, observing
the altitude minimums depicted on the
approach plate.
procedure.
Frequently Asked How do I turn off the airspace alert messages

Questions on the GPS 500?
If you're distracted by near-constant flashing of the message annunciator when flying in an area with
lots of controlled airspace, it's easy to temporarily disable the airspace alert messages. To disable
airspace alert messages, press and hold the MSG button for two seconds. The message annunciator will
display an OFF message in the space above the MSG button.
Press the MSG button again to re-enable airspace alert messages.
Can I connect the GPS to the Nav 1 indicator (or HSI) and/or an autopilot or
flight director?
Yes. If you're flying a Flight Simulator aircraft featuring the GPS 500 (or the Bell 206B JetRanger III or
the Extra 300S), there will be a Nav/GPS switch on the instrument panel. If you want the GPS to
provide data to the Nav 1 indicator (or HSI) and the autopilot or flight director, make sure the Nav/GPS
switch on the aircraft's instrument panel is in the GPS position. The Nav 1 indicator (or HSI) needle will
indicate the course to follow to track the active flight plan or direct-to in the GPS, and the autopilot or
flight director will follow this course when in Nav mode. (Remember to switch to Heading mode during
the vectoring phase of a vectors-to-final approach.)
If the Nav/GPS switch is set to Nav, the needle will indicate the course to or from the VOR radial
selected with the OBS, and tuned on the Nav 1 radio. The autopilot or flight director will follow that
course. In this case, the GPS is just used for situational awareness.
What does the OBS button do and when do I use it? (GPS 500 only)
The OBS button is used to select automatic sequencing of waypoints. Pressing the OBS button holds
your current 'active to' waypoint as your navigation reference and prevents the GPS from sequencing to
the next waypoint. A SUSP message displays directly above the OBS button. When you cancel OBS
mode, automatic waypoint sequencing resumes, and the GPS will automatically select the next waypoint
in the flight plan once the aircraft has crossed the current active-to waypoint.
Why won't my GPS automatically sequence to the next waypoint?
The GPS will only sequence flight plan waypoints when automatic sequencing is enabled (that is, when
there's no SUSP message directly above the OBS button). For automatic sequencing to occur, you must
also cross the "bisector" of the turn you are navigating, and be within 10 nm of the active waypoint. The
bisector is a perpendicular line between two flight plan legs which crosses through the waypoint
common to both legs.
How do I skip a waypoint in an approach, departure, or arrival?
The GPS allows you to manually designate any approach, departure, or arrival leg as the active leg of
your flight plan. From the Active Flight Plan page, highlight the desired waypoint and press the MENU
button, then ENT to activate the leg. The GPS will then provide navigation along the selected flight plan
leg, so be sure you have clearance to that position.
When does the CDI scale change, and what does it change to?
The GPS will begin a smooth CDI scale transition from 5.0-nm scale (en route mode) to 1.0-nm scale
(terminal mode) when you reach a point 30 nm from the destination airport. The CDI scale will further
transition to 0.3-nm scale (approach mode) within 10 nm of the airport during an active approach. The
CDI scale will also be 1.0 nm (terminal mode) within 30 nm of the departure airport.
How do I reselect the same approach, or activate a new approach, after a

missed approach?
After flying all missed approach procedures, you may reactivate the same approach from the
Procedures page for another attempt. Once you have been given clearance for another attempt,
activate the approach from the Procedures page by highlighting Activate Approach? and then
pressing the ENT button. The GPS will provide navigation along the desired course to the waypoint and
rejoin the approach in sequence from that point on.
To activate a new approach for the same airport, select the new procedure from the Procedures page.
To activate a new approach to a different airport, create a direct-to.
Note: Do not attempt to reactivate the same approach you're currently executing prior to crossing
the missed approach point (MAP). If you attempt to do so, the GPS will direct you back to the
transition waypoint and will not take into consideration any missed approach procedures.
Abbreviations and Terminology Abbreviations
The GPS receivers use the following abbreviations:

ACTV: active
ALT: altitude
APR: approach
APT: airport
ARSPC: airspace
ARTCC: air route traffic control center
ARVL: arrival
BRG: bearing to
CDI: course deviation indicator
CLR: clear
CRSR: cursor
CTAF: common traffic advisory frequency
CTR: center (see ARTCC)
CTS: course to steer
CUM: cumulative
DEP: departure
DIS: distance
DME: distance measuring equipment
DTK: desired track
ELEV: elevation
ENR: en route
ENT: enter
ETA: estimated time of arrival
ETE: estimated time en route
FPL: flight plan
fpm: feet per minute
FREQ: frequency
FSS: flight service station
ft: feet
G/S: glide slope
GPS: global positioning system
GS: ground speed
HDG: heading
ID: identifier
ILS: instrument landing system
INT: intersection
kHz: kilohertz
km: kilometers
kph: kilometers per hour
kt: knots
LAT/LON: latitude and longitude

LCL: local
LOC: localizer
Lrg: large
°M: degrees magnetic
m: meters
Med: medium
MHz: megahertz
mi: statute miles
MOA: military operations area
mph: statute miles per hour
mpm: meters per minute
mps: meters per second
MSG: message
MSL: mean sea level
mul: multicom
NATNL: national
NAV: navigation
NAVAID: navigational aid
NDB: nondirectional radio beacon
nm: nautical miles
NRST: nearest
NUM: number
OBS: omnibearing selector
PROC: procedure(s)
PWR: power
RAD: radial
REF: reference
REQ: required or requirements
RESTRICTD: restricted
RNG: range
RX: receive
Sml: small
SPD: speed
SRFC: surface
SUA: special use airspace
SUSP: suspend waypoint sequencing
°T: degrees true
TAS: true airspeed
TERM: terminal
TKE: track angle error

TMA: ICAO terminal control area
TRANS: transition
TRK: track (also ground track)
TRSA: terminal radar service area
twr: tower
uni: unicom
UTC: coordinated universal time (also known as Greenwich Mean Time or Zulu time)
VAR: variation
VFR: visual flight rules
VNAV: vertical navigation
VOR: VHF omnidirectional radio
VS: vertical speed
VSR: vertical speed required
WPT: waypoint
WX: weather
XTK: crosstrack error
The GPS receivers use the following navigation terms:
ALT Height above mean sea level (MSL).

(altitude):
BRG(bearing): The compass direction from your current position to a destination waypoint.
CAS Indicated airspeed corrected for instrument errors.

(calibrated
airspeed):
CTS (course The recommended direction to steer in order to reduce course error or stay on
to steer): course. Provides the most efficient heading to get back to the desired course and
proceed along your flight plan.
CUM The total of all legs in a flight plan.

(cumulative
distance):
DIS The great circle distance from your current position to a destination waypoint.
(distance):
DTK (desired The desired course between the active from and to waypoints.
track):
ETA (estimate The estimated time at which you will reach your destination waypoint, based upon
time of current speed and track.
arrival):
ETE The time it will take to reach the destination waypoint, from current position, based
(estimated upon current ground speed.
time en
route):
GS (ground The velocity you are traveling relative to a ground position.

speed):
HDG The direction your aircraft is pointed, based upon indications from a magnetic
(heading): compass or a properly set directional gyro.
IND Information provided by properly calibrated and set instrumentation in the aircraft
(indicated): panel (e.g., "indicated altitude").
TKE (track The angle difference between the desired track and your current track.
angle error):
TRK (track): The direction of movement relative to a ground position; also referred to as "ground
track."
VSR (vertical The vertical speed necessary to descend or climb from current position and altitude
speed to a defined target position and altitude, based upon your current ground speed.
required):
XTK The distance you are off a desired course in either direction, left or right.
(crosstrack
error):
- top -

Using The GPS

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Using the GPS

A guide to global positioning system receivers in Flight Simulator

What is GPS? CONTENTS

Back to What is GPS?

What Can I Do with a GPS Receiver?

The GPS units in Flight Simulator can help you:

Determine where you are.

Two GPS Units, Same Functionality

Using the GPSMAP 295

Garmin GPS 500 in Flight Simulator

AirCreation 582SL Buggy Ultralight

Displaying the GPS Receiver

To display the GPS while flying any aircraft

Click the GPS icon

Moving the GPS

Using the Mouse

Using the Keyboard

About Page Groups and Pages

The Navigation page group includes:

The Waypoint page group includes:

The Nearest page group includes:

There are also two stand-alone pages:

Active Flight Plan

Navigating Between Page Groups and Pages

To access the different page groups

Rotate the large knob to switch between the

To access the stand-alone pages

1. Press the FPL button (or the ROUTE button on

The bottom right corner of this

To scroll down to see the rest of a page

1. Press the CRSR button to activate the cursor.

The Buttons and Knobs

The GPS 500

Lost Among the Pages?

5. The Enter button is used to approve an operation or to complete data entry.

The Nav/GPS Switch

Navigation Page Group

To select a NAV page

1. Press and hold the CLR button (QUIT button

Default NAV Page

The default NAV page

If you have an active flight plan or direct-to waypoint:

Default NAV Page Glossary

To add a graphical depiction of the terrain to the

Press the TERR button. Press the TERR button

To declutter the map display

Press the CLR button (or the QUIT button on

Changing the Scale

To adjust the map scale

Press the up arrow on the RNG button (OUT

Course to a waypoint, or desired course between two waypoints

Right procedure turn

Left procedure turn

DME arc to the left

DME arc to the right

Left-hand holding pattern

Right-hand holding pattern

Airport with hard-surface runway(s) (runways shown when zoomed in)

Airport with fuel

To adjust the map scale

Press the up arrow on the RNG button (the

To add a graphical depiction of the terrain to the

Press the TERR button. Press the TERR button